**FLAGG TO THE NBA, WHAT’S NEXT FOR DUKE? Jon Scheyer Spills the Tea!**
The Duke Blue Devils have long been a powerhouse in college basketball, a program synonymous with excellence, NBA talent, and championship aspirations. But the landscape is shifting once again, as Cooper Flagg, the crown jewel of Duke’s 2024 recruiting class, is now being widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With Flagg’s departure looming, the question on every Duke fan’s mind is simple: *What’s next for the Blue Devils?*
Head coach Jon Scheyer, now entering his third season at the helm, isn’t shying away from the challenge. In an exclusive sit-down, Scheyer opened up about Flagg’s meteoric rise, Duke’s evolving roster, and how the program plans to reload rather than rebuild.
Cooper Flagg’s impact on Duke basketball cannot be overstated. The 6’9” forward arrived in Durham with sky-high expectations, and he delivered—dominating both ends of the floor with a blend of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ rarely seen at the college level. Flagg’s ability to defend multiple positions, stretch the floor, and create for others made him the centerpiece of Duke’s offense and a nightmare for opponents.
Scheyer didn’t hold back when discussing Flagg’s growth. *”Cooper came in with a pro mentality from Day 1,”* Scheyer said. *”His work ethic, his competitiveness—it elevated everyone around him. He wasn’t just here to be the best player on the court; he wanted to make his teammates better. That’s what separates him.”*
Flagg’s NBA-ready game means Duke will almost certainly lose him after just one season, but Scheyer isn’t lamenting the short stint. Instead, he sees it as a testament to Duke’s ability to develop elite talent. *”Our job is to prepare these guys for the next level, and Cooper is a perfect example of that. We’re proud of what he’s accomplished here, and we know he’s going to do big things in the league.”*
Losing a player of Flagg’s caliber would cripple most programs, but Duke isn’t most programs. Scheyer has built a roster designed for both immediate success and long-term sustainability. So, who fills the void?
First, there’s the returning core. Guards Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor bring experience and leadership, while sophomore forward Sean Stewart is poised for a breakout year after showing flashes of brilliance off the bench. Then there’s Khaman Maluach, the 7’2” center from the NBA Academy Africa, whose defensive presence and improving offensive game could make him a dominant force in the paint.
But the biggest X-factor might be Duke’s incoming recruiting class, which remains stacked even without Flagg. Five-star guard Isaiah Evans brings scoring punch, while forwards Kon Knueppel and Patrick Ngongba II add versatility and depth. Scheyer emphasized that Duke’s system doesn’t rely on just one player. *”We’ve always been about team basketball,”* he said. *”Yes, Cooper was special, but we have guys who are ready to take that next step. This group is hungry.”*
Taking over for a legend like Mike Krzyzewski was never going to be easy, but Jon Scheyer has quickly put his stamp on the program. His recruiting prowess has kept Duke in the mix for the nation’s top talent, and his modern offensive schemes have made the Blue Devils a nightmare to defend.
Scheyer acknowledges that the game is changing—players leave sooner, the transfer portal reshapes rosters overnight, and NIL deals add another layer to roster construction. But he insists Duke’s core values remain the same. *”We adapt, but we don’t compromise,”* he said. *”Duke has always been about winning at the highest level while preparing players for life beyond basketball. That won’t change.”*
One major factor in Duke’s continued success will be Scheyer’s ability to navigate the transfer portal. While the Blue Devils have traditionally relied on high school recruits, the portal has become an essential tool for filling gaps. Last season, Duke added key pieces like Jeremy Roach (via Baylor) and Ryan Young (via Northwestern), proving Scheyer isn’t afraid to blend youth with experience.
*”The portal is part of the game now,”* Scheyer admitted. *”If there’s a player who fits our culture and can help us win, we’re going to pursue them. But we’re also committed to developing our guys from the ground up. It’s about balance.”*
Even without Flagg, Duke’s roster is loaded with talent. The key will be how quickly the pieces gel. Scheyer’s teams have shown they can peak at the right time—his 2024 squad made a deep March Madness run before falling just short of the Final Four. With a mix of seasoned veterans and explosive newcomers, the 2025 Blue Devils have the pieces to make another championship push.
Scheyer, ever the competitor, made it clear that the expectations haven’t lowered. *”Our goal is always the same: compete for championships,”* he said. *”We know what this program represents. The players know it too. We’re not backing down from anyone.”*
As for Flagg, his legacy at Duke—though brief—will be remembered as one of the most impactful in recent memory. And while his departure leaves big shoes to fill, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils are already looking ahead. The next chapter of Duke basketball is being written, and if history is any indication, it’s going to be must-see TV.
So, what’s next for Duke? The answer is simple: *More greatness.*
